Andreas Weimann has claimed that persuading Fabian Delph to sign a new contract proves that Aston Villa are heading in the right direction.

It was confirmed at the weekend that Delph, who has been linked with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, had decided to extend his contract at Villa Park until the summer of 2019, and Weimann believes that the announcement will be a big lift to the club.

"It's what they're trying to do. Keep the players here and build on it and with Fab staying it'll keep us going," the Austrian forward told reporters. "Fabian's not scared of anything, you see that in the way he plays.

"He's a really big player for us getting on the ball and keeping us moving. He showed it for England and us and we're glad he's staying.

"It's a big lift for the club, he is an important player for us and it's nice to see."

Villa are currently three points above the relegation zone in 15th.